First-Line Chemo Combo Data Help Merck's Keytruda Power Past Opdivo

30 Jul 2018

• By Emily Hayes

Keytruda sales are soaring on first-line lung cancer use, but with many new filings and approvals, Merck tells its second-quarter earnings call it's just the beginning.

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Merck & Co. Inc. says that its Keytruda is now capturing two-thirds of new first and second-line lung cancer patients in the US – a 20% increase in share since April – helping the PD-1 inhibitor power past Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s competing Opdivo in the second quarter.

Merck reported second quarter sales on July 27, including $1.67bn in Keytruda (pembrolizumab) sales, whereas Bristol's competing PD-1 inhibitor Opdivo (nivolumab) had sales of $1.63bn in the same period (see...

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